Dhanteras 2026 falls on Friday, 6 November, two days before Diwali on Sunday, 8 November. Flights home for the festival week usually get more expensive and fill up as the dates near, so book as early as your plans allow. If your plans may shift, choose a fare with free or low-cost changes and watch prices with an alert.
Updated October 2026 · HappyFares
Dhanteras opens the Diwali celebrations, and many families want to be home for it. This guide covers the date, how the festival week lines up, and practical ways to plan your flight.
When is Dhanteras in 2026?
Dhanteras is on Friday, 6 November 2026. Panchang and festival calendars agree on this date. It is observed on the thirteenth lunar day of the dark fortnight, and the puja timings differ by city, so check a local panchang for your muhurat.
The days around it, for planning your trip:
- Friday, 6 November: Dhanteras
- Saturday, 7 or Sunday, 8 November: Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali), depending on the panchang
- Sunday, 8 November: Diwali
- Friday 13 to Monday 16 November: Chhath
What does Dhanteras mean for travel plans?
Dhanteras is described as the first day of Diwali in most of India. Families usually clean and decorate the home, light diyas and worship Lakshmi and Dhanvantari. Buying gold, silver or new utensils is considered auspicious. Because it is a family occasion, many people travel from work cities to hometowns in the days before it.
Dhanteras falls on a Friday this year, which means many office-goers can leave on Thursday evening or Friday morning and still reach home in time for the evening puja. Those who need the whole week at home may leave earlier, so expect busy flights on the days before the festival.
How early should you book flights for Dhanteras?
There is no single magic day, but the pattern is consistent: fares for festival dates tend to rise as the departure date gets closer, and the cheapest seats go first. With Dhanteras about three weeks away from today, 14 October, this is a sensible time to decide your dates and book.
- Fix your outbound date first. The Wednesday to Friday before Dhanteras is likely to be the most in demand.
- Check the nearby days. Travelling a day or two earlier, or on the early morning flight, can be cheaper than the most popular slot.
- Compare nonstop and one-stop options. A connection can lower the fare, but leave a comfortable gap so a short delay does not cost you the second flight.
- Book the return at the same time if you can. Return flights after Diwali and Bhai Dooj are also busy.
Families travelling together should book on one booking where possible, so everyone sits together and any change applies to the whole group. If the group is large, check that the fare shown still applies to every seat, because a low fare is sometimes available only for the first few seats.
Should you choose a flexible fare?
If your leave has not been approved or your plans could change, a flexible fare family is worth a look. Airlines usually offer a basic fare with strict change and cancellation terms and a higher fare with more flexibility. Fare family names differ by airline, for example Saver and Flexi Plus on IndiGo, or Saver and Flexi on Akasa Air. Air India and Air India Express use Value, Classic and Flex.
Compare the price gap against the change fee you might pay on the cheaper fare. If you are fairly sure of your dates, the basic fare is often enough. If not, the flexible fare can be the cheaper choice overall. Always read the exact terms on the booking page, because change and refund rules vary by airline and fare.
What should you do before you fly?
Festival days mean full terminals and long security queues, so allow extra time. Web check-in is free on Indian airlines and so is airport check-in, so there is no reason to pay anyone for it. Do the web check-in as soon as it opens, keep your ID handy and check your baggage allowance, since gifts and sweets for family can push you over it.
If you are carrying festival shopping, remember that cabin baggage rules differ by airline. Check the airline’s allowance before you pack.
Common Questions
What is the date of Dhanteras 2026?
Dhanteras 2026 is on Friday, 6 November. Diwali follows on Sunday, 8 November.
Will flight prices go up before Dhanteras?
Fares for popular festival dates usually rise as the date approaches and cheaper seats sell out. Exact prices depend on the route, the airline and the day, so use a price alert and book once you are happy with the fare.
Which days are busiest for flights home?
The days just before Dhanteras and Diwali are usually the busiest outbound days, and the days after Bhai Dooj are usually busy for returns. Travelling a day or two off the peak can help with both price and crowding.
Is it worth paying for a flexible fare?
It can be if your dates may change. Compare the extra cost with the change or cancellation charge on the basic fare for your airline and route before deciding.
Is web check-in free during the festival season?
No. Web check-in and airport check-in are both free with Indian airlines, including on festival days.
Can I request wheelchair help for elderly parents?
Yes, but you request it from the airline, not from a booking site. Contact the airline after booking and do it well before the flight.
Ready to plan your trip home? Search and compare flights on HappyFares, with zero convenience fee on domestic bookings. Set a price alert, or ask Meera, our AI assistant, to help you find the right dates.
Festival dates, fares and airline rules change. Verify current details with the airline, DGCA or the airport before you travel.
